Stoute said: The plan was to let him enjoy himself in front

Stoute said: “The plan was to let him enjoy himself in front. Willie gave him a super ride, but credit to the horse too for finding enough to stay there.”The much-touted newcomer Crystal Charm had to settle for second place to the more experienced Amazing Dream in the St Hugh’s Stakes, but her connections were neither dismayed nor surprised by her defeat. The grey filly, who was bred by her joint-owner Ivan Allen, has the pedigree to stay considerably further than yesterday’s five-furlongs and there are many smaller steeplechasers in training.For one of her size and scope she showed a deal of speed – to the extent of running a bit too freely – and though she saw off the challenge of Riberac had no answer to Amazing Dream’s finishing burst inside the final half-furlong. But those who have already backed her for next year’s 1,000 Guineas should not tear up their tickets yet.Amazing Dream booked hers for the pounds 100,000 Tattersalls Breeders Stakes at Fairyhouse later this month, a contest which her connections – the trainer Richard Hannon and the owners Peter, Pam and Paul Jubert – won last year with Another Fantasy.There could hardly be a better example of racing’s internationalism than today’s Prix Jacques le Marois. Three French-trained horses defend the pounds 100,000 Group One prize against a trio of raiders from Britain and one each from Germany and Japan.Of the home side, only Miss Berbere, who is to be ridden by a Japanese, was foaled in France. The only native among the British challengers is Lend A Hand; Cape Cross (who spends his winters in Dubai and is the mount of an Italian) and Among Men are US-bred.

Waky Nao, representing Germany, was foaled in Britain and is ridden by a Hong Kong-based jockey. And Taiki Shuttle, for Japan, was born, bred and bought in Kentucky.The last-named’s compatriot Seeking The Pearl, who also carries the USA suffix, broke new ground a week ago in the Group One Prix Maurice de Gheest over six and a half furlongs as the first Japanese-trained top-level winner in Europe.But it has already been established that horses can flit round the globe and compete successfully; what will be of lasting significance will be the moment when products of the Japanese breeding industry, in which countless millions in any currency have been invested, start to come on line in the international arena.Taiki Shuttle has won his last six races and is regarded as Seeking The Pearl’s superior back home but will need to be to make it a double for the shores of Nippon.His chief opposition is likely to come from a horse at least resident in the country that gave the Thoroughbred to the world. Eastbourne hadn’t lost at home for two years before we beat them Drove to Brentwood Little Chef Met friend Drove to London to stay “overnight”. Arrived at 1am.SUNDAY 9 AUGUSTUp at 5.30am (don’t know why I went to bed) for Heathrow – 6.50am flight to Copenhagen for connecting flight to Poznan (arrived 11.45am) Picked up by club official Bikes had arrived at hotel Racing at 5pm. Club (Zielona Gora) had been struggling to stay in first division. Crowd of nearly 12,000 (nothing unusual – speedway more popular than football in Poland) Got 14 points.

Our fans were gloating a bit because it was our fourth win there and ended a run of three away defeats for us. Some hard riding – our Tomasz Gollob was excluded; that caused ructions in the pits Crowd (2,000 or so) got heated. The officials wind you up (things like making you park as far away from pits as possible) The machine examiner finds faults beyond call of duty. I always want my own bikes there.SATURDAY 8 AUGUSTWashed down and prepared own bikes Drove to Eastbourne for league match Intimidating place. Eliminated, drowned sorrows with a can of Guinness (never have time for pub) Returned home Mechanic is on 13-hour drive to Zielona Gora in Poland. Coventry’s track has been made smaller since I won the British Championship there We struggled One bike’s set-up wasn’t right for the surface.

Wasn’t in best frame of mind when I went to official hotel.FRIDAY 7 AUGUSTNew grand prix format (series of meetings but no one-off world final any more) is great for spectators and television but the elimination is cut-throat Sweltering night First race tough Fourth place from inside lane Bad decision to ride bike that had been giving trouble Second bike better later but too late Unable to get past eventual overall winner Jason Crump. Again home at 1am.THURSDAY 6 AUGUSTTook two vans to Coventry for grand prix practice – my mechanic was taking two bikes on to Poland. Left Freya (younger daughter) with mother-in-law; elder one (Hannah) and wife (Julie) came with us Don’t often do that It’s a job.. I don’t feel like an entertainer. M25 can be a problem but getting to Belle Vue, Manchester, is worse (once got there an hour late after seven and a half hours driving) Not a good meeting for me or team (lost by four points). Back at 1am.TUESDAY 4 AUGUSTDay off! Worked on bikes, paperwork and normal family things.WEDNESDAY 5 AUGUSTTravelled to Oxford for league match. Had a run-off to win but had a handicap of 30 yards against Dave Mullett and couldn’t pass him. Back home early – 9pm.MONDAY 3 AUGUSTIntended having a day off.